Buck Island Reef National Monument

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Buck Island Reef National Monument
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
Buck Island Reef National Monument
Location: Virgin Islands, USA
Nearest city: Christiansted, Saint Croix
Coordinates: 17°47′13″N, 64°37′9″W
Area: 880 acres (3.56 km²)
Established: December 28, 1961
Visitation: 47,883 (in 2005)
Governing body: National Park Service

Buck Island Reef National Monument, or just Buck Island is a small, uninhabited, 176 acre (712,000 m²) island about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) north of the northeast coast of Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The U.S. National Monument was created in 1961 and greatly expanded in 2001, over the bitter opposition of local fisherman. Most of the Monument area, which is administered by the National Park Service, is underwater. The marine ecosystem surrounding the island includes an elkhorn coral barrier reef that surrounds two-thirds of the island and provides cover for a great variety of reef fish. Endangered species that nest on the island include sea turtles and Least Terns. Buck Island is also home to yellow jackets which nest around the trash cans found on the beach-side of the island.

Buck Island Reef National Monument
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Buck Island Reef National Monument

The clear waters, spectacular coral formations and abundance of marine life make Buck Island a favorite snorkeling destination. Snorkelers can enjoy a marked underwater trail near the eastern tip of Buck Island. The western edge of the island features a beautiful white-sand beach that makes it a popular gathering spot for local boaters.

There are actually two "Buck Islands." The one just north of St. Croix is the centerpiece of the National Monument. Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge occupies the one near St. Thomas.


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